Extending Support for English Language Learning: A University Outreach Program

Authors

  • Maureen Snow Andrade Utah Valley University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v13i2.395

Keywords:

English language learning, outreach program, higher education

Abstract

As universities in English-speaking countries recruit and enroll international students, a variety of forms of support are typically offered on and off campus to help students make a successful transition. The most common challenges for non-native English-speaking international students are linguistic and cultural. In spite of meeting English proficiency score requirements for admission, students report struggling with the demands of academic English. This article describes a model for an on-site English language program to help students improve their levels of English proficiency prior to their arrival. Program effectiveness was assessed through pre and post test measures of students’ English language skills, interviews with stakeholders, and observations. Students’ gains in proficiency were moderate due to the limited amount of time they had available for course attendance and study, but gains in affective factors were strong. Challenges in the implementation of the program and how they were resolved are described.

Author Biography

Maureen Snow Andrade, Utah Valley University

 

 

Maureen Snow Andrade is the associate dean of University College at Utah Valley University. She has extensive experience teaching ESL and TESOL courses and is a former ESL program director and department chair. She is also a former editor of the TESL Reporter. Dr. Andrade has directed in-country English language programs and provided in-service TESOL training in international contexts. Her professional interests include teaching English for academic purposes, content-based language instruction, program assessment, and adjustment and retention issues for international students.

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Published

2011-11-22

How to Cite

Andrade, M. S. (2011). Extending Support for English Language Learning: A University Outreach Program. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v13i2.395

Issue

Section

Praxis Articles (Peer-reviewed)